UPSC Essentials Brings your initiative to practice Writing the answer key. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of UPSC Civil Services Syllabus under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as you value your UPSC CSE Mains. Try to write today’s answers to questions related to related topics GS-1 To check your progress.
Discuss the archaeological importance of Lothal as an important site of the Indus Valley Civilization. Analyze its contributions to understanding ancient maritime trade, urban planning, and technological advances in the context of the Harappan culture.
Question 2
Evaluate the contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to maritime history of India. Discuss his role in the formation of the Maratha Navy, the strategic importance of his naval policies, and the long-term impact on India’s coastal defense and naval traditions.
General points in the structure of answers
introduction
– An introduction to the answer is required and should be limited to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.
– It may contain basic information with some definitions from reliable sources and authentic facts.
the body
– This is the central part of the answer and must understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.
– The answer should be written as a mixture of bullet points and short paragraphs instead of using long paragraphs or just bullet points.
– Make your answer more comprehensive by using facts from official government sources. Analysis is important depending on the demand of the question, but don’t over analyze.
– Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances the presentation of the answer.
– Using flowcharts/tree-diagrams in answers saves a lot of time and increases your score. However, it should be used logically and only where necessary.
Way forward / conclusion
– The answer should end on a positive note and should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel an important issue should be highlighted, you can add it to your conclusion. Do not try to repeat any point from the body or introduction.
– You can use national and international reports or surveys, quotes etc. in your answer.
Self assessment
– This is the most important part of our main answer writing exercise. UPSC Essentials A thought process will provide some guiding points or ideas that will help you evaluate your answers.
Thought process
You can enrich your answers by following points
Question 1: Discuss the archaeological importance of Lothal as an important site of the Indus Valley Civilization. Analyze its contributions to understanding ancient maritime trade, urban planning, and technological advances in the context of the Harappan culture.
Nout: This model is not the answer. It just gives you a thought process that you can include in the answers.
Introduction:
– Lothal, an important settlement between the Sabarmati and Bhogavo rivers in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, was part of the Harappan civilization, the earliest urban culture in South Asia.
— The site is considered to be a simple natural mound which has been raised and strengthened several times with mud and mud bricks to protect it from annual floods. Interestingly, the name Lothal is believed to be derived from the Gujarati words ‘loth’ and ‘thal’, meaning ‘mound of the dead’.
body:
You can include some of the following points in your answer:
Contribution of Lothal
– In his book The Indus Civilization, Sir Mortimer Wheeler writes, “The Harappan settlement bears all the essential marks of Indus civilization: straight roads, regimental buildings, baths, elaborate drains, and man-holes.” In 2014, Lothal was considered for UNESCO World Heritage status.
– After India’s independence, archaeologist SR Rao led efforts to locate Harappan cities in the Saurashtra region, which led to the discovery of Lothal. Between February 13, 1955 and May 19, 1960, the ASI conducted excavations that revealed an ancient city strategically located along a major river system on the trade route connecting Sindh with Saurashtra. The site produced one of the most comprehensive collections of artifacts in modern Indian archaeology.
— Lothal is known for its engineering marvels, notably the world’s oldest dockyard, measuring 214 × 36 meters and featuring a unique water-locking mechanism. Artifacts such as sapphire bead necklaces, copper or bronze axes, and fishhooks indicate maritime trade with ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia.
— The city design exemplifies advanced urban planning with a grid pattern, efficient drainage systems, and rectangular basins that serve as dockyards.
Conclusion:
— According to research from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, a significant shift in climate occurred around 4,500 years ago, reducing summer monsoon rainfall in the Indus Valley, damaging communities dependent on seasonal rainfall. This resulted in the decline and abandonment of urban centers in the southern regions, parts of modern Gujarat such as Lothal.
– The Union Cabinet recently approved the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, a project that will commemorate India’s 4,500 years of maritime history. The facility will include a lighthouse museum, a five-dimensional theater, and interactive exhibits.
(source: Searching for the past: What attracts researchers to the Harappan archaeological site of Lothal? By Nikita Mohta)
Points to ponder
Other Important Sites of Indus Valley Civilization
Location of Lothal
Important developments in Lothal
Related Previous Year Questions
How much has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization contributed to the current urbanization? Discuss. (2014)
The ancient civilization of the Indian subcontinent differed from that of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved to this day without any disruption. Make a comment. (2015)
Question 2: Evaluate the contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to maritime history of India. Discuss his role in the formation of the Maratha Navy, the strategic importance of his naval policies, and the long-term impact on India’s coastal defense and naval traditions.
Nout: This model is not the answer. It just gives you a thought process that you can include in the answers.
Introduction:
– Chhatrapati Shivaji was a visionary leader who established the Maratha Empire and Navy.
– At a time when European nations dominated the seas, Shivaji charted a course for a self-sufficient naval force, earning him the title ‘Father of the Indian Navy’.
body:
You can include some of the following points in your answer:
– The Adil Shahi of Bijapur, the Qutub Shahi of Golconda and the Mughal Empire had influence in the Deccan region and the Konkan coast in the seventeenth century. The Adilshahi held important ports on India’s western Konkan coast, while European powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, English and African-born Siddis ruled the seas.
— After the arrival of Vasco da Gama in Calicut in 1498, the Portuguese took control of the Arabian Sea and its trade routes. They implemented a cartage system, which required trade permits and frequently destroyed non-compliant ships, restricting Indian traders. To strengthen their position, the Portuguese created colonies along the Konkan coast, including Vasai, Chaul, Daman, Goa, Basrur and Mangalore, supported by a powerful naval fleet.
– Along with the Portuguese and the British, the Dutch and the French were active along the Indian coast. The Siddis established themselves at Janjira on the Konkan coast.
– When Shivaji started his independence campaign, the Konkan coast was infested with foreign powers. Siddi was a staunch opponent of the Maratha kingdom. He carried fire and sword everywhere along the Maratha coast. Troubled like a rat in the house, he was constantly worried.
– Taking Torna fort (in today’s Pune district), Shivaji established his empire, or ‘swarajya’. Shivaji annexed most of the Konkan and Kolhapur districts to Swarajya, gaining control of major northern ports such as Kalyan and Bhiwandi, increasing his influence in trade and maritime affairs.
– Between 1657 and 1658, Shivaji extended his control over a 100 km stretch of the Konkan coast from the Savitri River to the northern forts of Kohoj and Asherigarh. He also captured several strategic forts including Surgad, Birwadi, Tala, Ghosale, Sudhagad, Kangori and Raigad (earlier known as Rairi), expanding his dominion and directly confronting the Siddi territories.
Conclusion:
– Shivaji recognized the importance of naval power to counter European dominance of sea trade routes and to protect major exports along the Konkan coast. With foreign trade important to the state’s revenue and pirates posing a constant threat, Shivaji recognized the need for a naval force to defend his territory.
– According to historian Surendranath Sen’s book, The Administrative System of the Marathas (1925), when the Marathas excelled in land warfare, the sea was the new frontier, and Shivaji became the first king in Indian history to establish a fleet with a definite political strategy. .
(source: Why did Shamika Sarvankar call Chhatrapati Shivaji the father of Indian Navy?)
Points to ponder
Maratha Empire
Facts about Shivaji
Third Battle of Panipat
Related Previous Year Questions
The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought in Panipat? (2014)
The naval mutiny proved to be the final nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (2014)
Previous Key Answers Practice
UPSC Essential: Key Answers Practice – GS 1 (Week 79)
UPSC Essential: Key Answers Practice – GS 1 (Week 78)
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UPSC Essential: Key Answers Practice – GS 2 (Week 79)
UPSC Essential: Key Answers Practice – GS 3 (Week 80)
UPSC Essential: Key Answers Practice – GS 3 (Week 79)
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